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5A championship preview: Notre Dame Prep will rely on more than its 'two Jakes'

Centennial celebrates winning the 5A high school football state championship game against Notre Dame Prep at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017. Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Centennial celebrates winning the 5A high school football state championship game against Notre Dame Prep at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017.
Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Centennial Jeiel Stark (10) celebrates winning the 5A high school football state championship game against Notre Dame Prep at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017. Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Centennial Jeiel Stark (10) celebrates winning the 5A high school football state championship game against Notre Dame Prep at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017.
Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Centennial Trevor Renfro (74) and Daniel Thomas (78) celebrate winning the 5A high school football state championship game against Notre Dame Prep at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017. Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Centennial Trevor Renfro (74) and Daniel Thomas (78) celebrate winning the 5A high school football state championship game against Notre Dame Prep at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017.
Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Centennial Trevor Renfro (74) and Daniel Thomas (78) celebrate winning the 5A high school football state championship game against Notre Dame Prep at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017. Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Centennial Trevor Renfro (74) and Daniel Thomas (78) celebrate winning the 5A high school football state championship game against Notre Dame Prep at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017.
Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Centennial Alex Escobar (5) hugs head coach Richard Taylor after winning the 5A high school football state championship game against Notre Dame Prep at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017. Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Centennial Alex Escobar (5) hugs head coach Richard Taylor after winning the 5A high school football state championship game against Notre Dame Prep at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017.
Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Centennial head football coach Richard Taylor hands the championship trophy to his players as the team celebrates their 42-21 win over Notre Dame Prep during the 5A high school football state championship game at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on Saturday, December 2, 2017. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Centennial head football coach Richard Taylor hands the championship trophy to his players as the team celebrates their 42-21 win over Notre Dame Prep during the 5A high school football state championship game at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on Saturday, December 2, 2017.
David Wallace/azcentral sports

Centennial running back Alex Escobar kisses the championship trophy as the team celebrates their 42-21 win over Notre Dame Prep during the 5A high school football state championship game at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on Saturday, December 2, 2017. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Centennial running back Alex Escobar kisses the championship trophy as the team celebrates their 42-21 win over Notre Dame Prep during the 5A high school football state championship game at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on Saturday, December 2, 2017.
David Wallace/azcentral sports

Centennial running back Alex Escobar (5), offensive lineman Daniel Thomas (78) and running back Zidane Thomas (2) celebrate after their 42-21 win over Notre Dame Prep during the 5A high school football state championship game at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on Saturday, December 2, 2017. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Centennial running back Alex Escobar (5), offensive lineman Daniel Thomas (78) and running back Zidane Thomas (2) celebrate after their 42-21 win over Notre Dame Prep during the 5A high school football state championship game at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on Saturday, December 2, 2017.
David Wallace/azcentral sports

Centennial Xavier Rojas (27) and Dylan Price (11) watches Rojas missed field goal during the 5A high school football state championship game against Notre Dame Prep at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017. Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Centennial Xavier Rojas (27) and Dylan Price (11) watches Rojas missed field goal during the 5A high school football state championship game against Notre Dame Prep at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017.
Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Notre Dame Prep Kylan Weisser (11) hands off to Cole Fisher (6) during the 5A high school football state championship game against the Centennial at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017. Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Notre Dame Prep Kylan Weisser (11) hands off to Cole Fisher (6) during the 5A high school football state championship game against the Centennial at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017.
Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Centennial head coach Richard Taylor takes a timeout during the 5A high school football state championship game against the Notre Dame Prep at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017. Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Centennial head coach Richard Taylor takes a timeout during the 5A high school football state championship game against the Notre Dame Prep at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017.
Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Centennial Dyelan Miller (14) scores a touchdown while being defended by Notre Dame Prep Quinn Stanton (8) during the 5A high school football state championship game at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017. Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Centennial Dyelan Miller (14) scores a touchdown while being defended by Notre Dame Prep Quinn Stanton (8) during the 5A high school football state championship game at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017.
Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Centennial cheerleaders perform during the 5A high school football state championship game against the Notre Dame Prep at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017. Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Centennial cheerleaders perform during the 5A high school football state championship game against the Notre Dame Prep at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017.
Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Notre Dame Prep Quinn Stanton (8), right and Joey Jaquint (2) left tackle Centennial Alex Escobar (5) after he makes a completed catch during the 5A high school football state championship game at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017. Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Notre Dame Prep Quinn Stanton (8), right and Joey Jaquint (2) left tackle Centennial Alex Escobar (5) after he makes a completed catch during the 5A high school football state championship game at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017.
Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Centennial fans cheer during the 5A high school football state championship game against Notre Dame Prep at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017. Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Centennial fans cheer during the 5A high school football state championship game against Notre Dame Prep at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017.
Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Centennial quarterback Ruben A Beltran III carries the ball in the third quarter against Notre Dame Prep during the 5A high school football state championship game at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on Saturday, December 2, 2017. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Centennial quarterback Ruben A Beltran III carries the ball in the third quarter against Notre Dame Prep during the 5A high school football state championship game at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on Saturday, December 2, 2017.
David Wallace/azcentral sports

Centennial Dominique Hampton (21) intercepts the ball during the 5A high school football state championship game against Notre Dame Prep at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017. Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Centennial Dominique Hampton (21) intercepts the ball during the 5A high school football state championship game against Notre Dame Prep at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017.
Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Centennial Zidane Thomas (2) runs in for the touchdown during the 5A high school football state championship game against Notre Dame Prep at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017. Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Centennial Zidane Thomas (2) runs in for the touchdown during the 5A high school football state championship game against Notre Dame Prep at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017.
Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Centennial fan holds up a sign during the 5A high school football state championship game against Notre Dame Prep at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017. Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Centennial fan holds up a sign during the 5A high school football state championship game against Notre Dame Prep at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017.
Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Notre Dame Prep Justin Maschek (17) attempts to tackle Centennial Alex Escobar (5) during the 5A high school football state championship game at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017. Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Notre Dame Prep Justin Maschek (17) attempts to tackle Centennial Alex Escobar (5) during the 5A high school football state championship game at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017.
Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Notre Dame Prep head football coach George Prelock looks on during the first quarter of the 5A high school football state championship game against Centennial at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on Saturday, December 2, 2017. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Notre Dame Prep head football coach George Prelock looks on during the first quarter of the 5A high school football state championship game against Centennial at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on Saturday, December 2, 2017.
David Wallace/azcentral sports

Notre Dame Prep students cheer during the first quarter of the 5A high school football state championship game against Centennial at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on Saturday, December 2, 2017. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Notre Dame Prep students cheer during the first quarter of the 5A high school football state championship game against Centennial at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on Saturday, December 2, 2017.
David Wallace/azcentral sports

Ela Wootton of Notre Dame Prep Pom squad looks on during the 5A high school football state championship game against Centennial at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on Saturday, December 2, 2017. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Ela Wootton of Notre Dame Prep Pom squad looks on during the 5A high school football state championship game against Centennial at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on Saturday, December 2, 2017.
David Wallace/azcentral sports

Notre Dame Prep quarterback Kylan Weisser looks to pass as Centennial defensive lineman Xavier Garcia pursues during the second quarter of the 5A high school football state championship game at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on Saturday, December 2, 2017. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Notre Dame Prep quarterback Kylan Weisser looks to pass as Centennial defensive lineman Xavier Garcia pursues during the second quarter of the 5A high school football state championship game at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on Saturday, December 2, 2017.
David Wallace/azcentral sports

Centennial running back Zidane Thomas carries the ball as Notre Dame Prep linebacker Vincent Elrod attempts the tackle during the second quarter of the 5A high school football state championship game at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on Saturday, December 2, 2017. Thomas scored a touchdown on the play. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Centennial running back Zidane Thomas carries the ball as Notre Dame Prep linebacker Vincent Elrod attempts the tackle during the second quarter of the 5A high school football state championship game at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on Saturday, December 2, 2017. Thomas scored a touchdown on the play.
David Wallace/azcentral sports

Centennial running back Zidane Thomas carries the ball for a touchdown against Notre Dame Prep during the second quarter of the 5A high school football state championship game at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on Saturday, December 2, 2017. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Centennial running back Zidane Thomas carries the ball for a touchdown against Notre Dame Prep during the second quarter of the 5A high school football state championship game at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on Saturday, December 2, 2017.
David Wallace/azcentral sports

Notre Dame Prep quarterback Kylan Weisser looks to pass as Centennial defensive end D'angelo Garcia pursues during the second quarter of the 5A high school football state championship game at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on Saturday, December 2, 2017. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Notre Dame Prep quarterback Kylan Weisser looks to pass as Centennial defensive end D'angelo Garcia pursues during the second quarter of the 5A high school football state championship game at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on Saturday, December 2, 2017.
David Wallace/azcentral sports

Notre Dame Prep's Kylan Weisser looks to pass against Centennial in the 2nd quarter during the 5A State Championship on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017 at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. Sean Logan/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Notre Dame Prep's Kylan Weisser looks to pass against Centennial in the 2nd quarter during the 5A State Championship on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017 at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz.
Sean Logan/azcentral sports

Centennial's Zidane Thomas rushes for a touchdown against Notre Dame Prep in the 2nd quarter during the 5A State Championship on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017 at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. Sean Logan/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Centennial's Zidane Thomas rushes for a touchdown against Notre Dame Prep in the 2nd quarter during the 5A State Championship on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017 at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz.
Sean Logan/azcentral sports

Centennial Zidane Thomas (2) runs in for the touchdown during the 5A high school football state championship game against Notre Dame Prep at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017. Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Centennial Zidane Thomas (2) runs in for the touchdown during the 5A high school football state championship game against Notre Dame Prep at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017.
Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Notre Dame Prep Blake Storey (10) reaches for a catch while being defended by Centennial Jaydin Young (3) during the 5A high school football state championship game at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017. Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Notre Dame Prep Blake Storey (10) reaches for a catch while being defended by Centennial Jaydin Young (3) during the 5A high school football state championship game at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017.
Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Centennial Xavier Rojas (27) attempts a field goal during the 5A high school football state championship game against Notre Dame Prep at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017. Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Centennial Xavier Rojas (27) attempts a field goal during the 5A high school football state championship game against Notre Dame Prep at Arizona Stadium in Tucson on December 1, 2017.
Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Centennial's Zidane Thomas rushes for a touchdown against Notre Dame Prep in the 2nd quarter during the 5A State Championship on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017 at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. Sean Logan/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Centennial's Zidane Thomas rushes for a touchdown against Notre Dame Prep in the 2nd quarter during the 5A State Championship on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017 at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz.
Sean Logan/azcentral sports

Centennial's Zidane Thomas celebrates with Trevor Renfro after rushing for a touchdown against Notre Dame Prep in the 2nd quarter during the 5A State Championship on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017 at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. Sean Logan/azcentral sports

Photos: 5A football title 2017 - Centennial vs. Notre Dame Prep

Centennial's Zidane Thomas celebrates with Trevor Renfro after rushing for a touchdown against Notre Dame Prep in the 2nd quarter during the 5A State Championship on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017 at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz.
Sean Logan/azcentral sports

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The 5A playoff title game between No. 1 Peoria Centennial and No. 3 Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep is a rematch of last year's final. The Saints are seeking redemption to win the conference crown and not lose for the second consecutive year to Centennial.

Both teams boast dominant 13-0 records, and they've lost just one game over the past two seasons.

They were two of just seven teams who went unbeaten during the regular season in Arizona. Superior (1A) and Thatcher (2A) maintained their perfect marks en route to state titles. Centennial and Notre Dame look to join the club with a win on Saturday.

But only one will prevail. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. at Sun Devil Stadium.

It's easy to perceive both teams, and the schools, as viscerally different.

Centennial represents a blue-collar image, but one with a high-scoring offense that puts up almost 40 points per game. Plus, its intimidating defense has a whopping 62½ sacks this season.

Notre Dame Prep has a swanky campus located in North Scottsdale and a roster consisting of highly touted recruits.

The Saints are led by their two Jakes. One is their Swiss Army-knife senior wide receiver/cornerback/punter Jake Smith (1,070 receiving yards, 7.4 yards per carry, 39 total touchdowns), who is committed to play college football at Texas. The other is senior quarterback Jake Farrell (3,230 yards, 41 touchdowns, seven interceptions).

Notre Dame Prep quarterback Jake Farrell looks to pass during their game with Millennium in Scottsdale, Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. #azhsfb(Photo: Darryl Webb/Special for the Republic)

They create a strong passing game to drive the Notre Dame offense, producing 251.9 yards per game compared to the Coyotes' 160.4. But Centennial has the edge on the ground, averaging 257.8 rushing yards per game versus Notre Dame's 216.

"It's not going to be a one-sided game," Farrell said. "It's going to be a huge contest but I think if anyone can do it, it's us."

Notre Dame head coach George Prelock added of Centennial, "They're going to do their game. They're going to be physical. They're going to try and take away what they do best and we gotta find a way to counter that."

Farrell also recognizes Centennial will smother Smith to break his team's one-two punch. But his confidence in Notre Dame's other playmakers can make the difference.

"He's an amazing player," Farrell said of Smith. "We're going to do whatever we need to do to get him the ball, but I know if they cover him, we have so many other playmakers like (senior wide receiver) Zack Gray, (senior wide receiver/defensive end) Robby Brodar and (senior tight end/defensive end) Luke Roberts to make plays for me."

Smith said, "I've always played on the offensive side of the ball, but defensively, I come in late game situations where we need a stop and usually I rush the quarterback or I play DB. I really impact the game the game defensively if we need to shut down a receiver. I can be that guy who goes to play corner just to lock off one guy if he's hurting us."

The most recent example of Farrell and Smith at their best and maintaining the Saints' poise in the clutch was their nail-biting 5A semifinal win against No. 2 Gilbert Williams Field. Farrell went 24-for-39 for 259 yards and two touchdowns, while Smith contributed 103 all-purpose yards, one touchdown, four punt returns for 160 yards, two forced fumbles and two tackles.

CLOSE

Jake Smith speaks at AIA Media Day about how he plans to play in 5A title game.
Dana Scott, azcentral sports

"My favorite game was the last game we played versus Williams Field," Smith said. "It was 21-14 final score and it came right down to the wire. I think if I can play how I played last game against Centennial, we'll definitely have a chance at winning. I really helped the team not only offensively but defensively. So, if I can do that again we'll have a good chance."

Farrell added, "A lot of confidence in my guys, and they have a lot of confidence in me, which has really benefited us. We're really truly a brotherhood which has helped a lot down the stretch. It really has for winning close games."

Farrell embraces an iron-sharpens-iron mentality going into the game.

"I think they're wonderful, a great team and they really have a lot of depth which is going to be tough," he said of Centennial. "We're going to have to bring everything we've got. That's going to be a lot of fun."